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Wan Z, Zhang S, Zhong AX, Xu L, Coughlin MF, Pavlou G, Shelton SE, Nguyen HT, Hirose S, Kim S, Floryan MA, Barbie DA, Hodi FS, Kamm RD. Transmural Flow Upregulates PD-L1 Expression in Microvascular Networks. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2400921. [PMID: 38696611 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is higher in tumors than in normal tissues. Also, tumoral vasculatures tend to be leakier than normal vessels leading to a higher trans-endothelial or transmural fluid flow. However, it is not clear whether such elevated transmural flow can control endothelial PD-L1 expression. Here, a new microfluidic device is developed to investigate the relationship between transmural flow and PD-L1 expression in microvascular networks (MVNs). After treating the MVNs with transmural flow for 24 h, the expression of PD-L1 in endothelial cells is upregulated. Additionally, CD8 T cell activation by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is suppressed when cultured in the MVNs pre-conditioned with transmural flow. Moreover, transmural flow is able to further increase PD-L1 expression in the vessels formed in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, by utilizing blocking antibodies and knock-out assays, it is found that transmural flow-driven PD-L1 upregulation is controlled by integrin αVβ3. Overall, this study provides a new biophysical explanation for high PD-L1 expression in tumoral vasculatures.
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Henry WS, Müller S, Yang JS, Innes-Gold S, Das S, Reinhardt F, Sigmund K, Phadnis VV, Wan Z, Eaton E, Sampaio JL, Bell GW, Viravalli A, Hammond PT, Kamm RD, Cohen AE, Boehnke N, Hsu VW, Levental KR, Rodriguez R, Weinberg RA. Ether lipids influence cancer cell fate by modulating iron uptake. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.20.585922. [PMID: 38562716 PMCID: PMC10983928 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.20.585922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cell fate has been widely ascribed to mutational changes within protein-coding genes associated with tumor suppressors and oncogenes. In contrast, the mechanisms through which the biophysical properties of membrane lipids influence cancer cell survival, dedifferentiation and metastasis have received little scrutiny. Here, we report that cancer cells endowed with a high metastatic ability and cancer stem cell-like traits employ ether lipids to maintain low membrane tension and high membrane fluidity. Using genetic approaches and lipid reconstitution assays, we show that these ether lipid-regulated biophysical properties permit non-clathrin-mediated iron endocytosis via CD44, leading directly to significant increases in intracellular redox-active iron and enhanced ferroptosis susceptibility. Using a combination of in vitro three-dimensional microvascular network systems and in vivo animal models, we show that loss of ether lipids also strongly attenuates extravasation, metastatic burden and cancer stemness. These findings illuminate a mechanism whereby ether lipids in carcinoma cells serve as key regulators of malignant progression while conferring a unique vulnerability that can be exploited for therapeutic intervention.
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Cambria E, Coughlin MF, Floryan MA, Offeddu GS, Shelton SE, Kamm RD. Linking cell mechanical memory and cancer metastasis. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:216-228. [PMID: 38238471 PMCID: PMC11146605 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00656-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis causes most cancer-related deaths; however, the efficacy of anti-metastatic drugs is limited by incomplete understanding of the biological mechanisms that drive metastasis. Focusing on the mechanics of metastasis, we propose that the ability of tumour cells to survive the metastatic process is enhanced by mechanical stresses in the primary tumour microenvironment that select for well-adapted cells. In this Perspective, we suggest that biophysical adaptations favourable for metastasis are retained via mechanical memory, such that the extent of memory is influenced by both the magnitude and duration of the mechanical stress. Among the mechanical cues present in the primary tumour microenvironment, we focus on high matrix stiffness to illustrate how it alters tumour cell proliferation, survival, secretion of molecular factors, force generation, deformability, migration and invasion. We particularly centre our discussion on potential mechanisms of mechanical memory formation and retention via mechanotransduction and persistent epigenetic changes. Indeed, we propose that the biophysical adaptations that are induced by this process are retained throughout the metastatic process to improve tumour cell extravasation, survival and colonization in the distant organ. Deciphering mechanical memory mechanisms will be key to discovering a new class of anti-metastatic drugs.
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Maurissen TL, Spielmann AJ, Schellenberg G, Bickle M, Vieira JR, Lai SY, Pavlou G, Fauser S, Westenskow PD, Kamm RD, Ragelle H. Modeling early pathophysiological phenotypes of diabetic retinopathy in a human inner blood-retinal barrier-on-a-chip. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1372. [PMID: 38355716 PMCID: PMC10866954 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45456-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular disorder characterized by inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB) breakdown and irreversible vision loss. While the symptoms of DR are known, disease mechanisms including basement membrane thickening, pericyte dropout and capillary damage remain poorly understood and interventions to repair diseased iBRB microvascular networks have not been developed. In addition, current approaches using animal models and in vitro systems lack translatability and predictivity to finding new target pathways. Here, we develop a diabetic iBRB-on-a-chip that produces pathophysiological phenotypes and disease pathways in vitro that are representative of clinical diagnoses. We show that diabetic stimulation of the iBRB-on-a-chip mirrors DR features, including pericyte loss, vascular regression, ghost vessels, and production of pro-inflammatory factors. We also report transcriptomic data from diabetic iBRB microvascular networks that may reveal drug targets, and examine pericyte-endothelial cell stabilizing strategies. In summary, our model recapitulates key features of disease, and may inform future therapies for DR.
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Serrano JC, Gillrie MR, Li R, Ishamuddin SH, Moeendarbary E, Kamm RD. Microfluidic-Based Reconstitution of Functional Lymphatic Microvasculature: Elucidating the Role of Lymphatics in Health and Disease. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302903. [PMID: 38059806 PMCID: PMC10837354 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge of the blood microvasculature and its functional role in health and disease has grown significantly attributable to decades of research and numerous advances in cell biology and tissue engineering; however, the lymphatics (the secondary vascular system) has not garnered similar attention, in part due to a lack of relevant in vitro models that mimic its pathophysiological functions. Here, a microfluidic-based approach is adopted to achieve precise control over the biological transport of growth factors and interstitial flow that drive the in vivo growth of lymphatic capillaries (lymphangiogenesis). The engineered on-chip lymphatics with in vivo-like morphology exhibit tissue-scale functionality with drainage rates of interstitial proteins and molecules comparable to in vivo standards. Computational and scaling analyses of the underlying transport phenomena elucidate the critical role of the three-dimensional geometry and lymphatic endothelium in recapitulating physiological drainage. Finally, the engineered on-chip lymphatics enabled studies of lymphatic-immune interactions that revealed inflammation-driven responses by the lymphatics to recruit immune cells via chemotactic signals similar to in vivo, pathological events. This on-chip lymphatics platform permits the interrogation of various lymphatic biological functions, as well as screening of lymphatic-based therapies such as interstitial absorption of protein therapeutics and lymphatic immunomodulation for cancer therapy.
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Nguyen HT, Gurvich N, Gillrie MR, Offeddu G, Humayun M, Kan EL, Wan Z, Coughlin MF, Zhang C, Vu V, Lee SWL, Tan SL, Barbie D, Hsu J, Kamm RD. Patient-Specific Vascularized Tumor Model: Blocking TAM Recruitment with Multispecific Antibodies Targeting CCR2 and CSF-1R. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.28.568627. [PMID: 38076998 PMCID: PMC10705378 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.28.568627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated inflammation drives cancer progression and therapy resistance, with the infiltration of monocyte-derived tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) associated with poor prognosis in diverse cancers. Targeting TAMs holds potential against solid tumors, but effective immunotherapies require testing on immunocompetent human models prior to clinical trials. Here, we develop an in vitro model of microvascular networks that incorporates tumor spheroids or patient tissues. By perfusing the vasculature with human monocytes, we investigate monocyte trafficking into the tumor and evaluate immunotherapies targeting the human tumor microenvironment. Our findings demonstrate that macrophages in vascularized breast and lung tumor models can enhance monocyte recruitment via TAM-produced CCL7 and CCL2, mediated by CSF-1R. Additionally, we assess a novel multispecific antibody targeting CCR2, CSF-1R, and neutralizing TGF-β, referred to as CSF1R/CCR2/TGF-β Ab, on monocytes and macrophages using our 3D models. This antibody repolarizes TAMs towards an anti-tumoral M1-like phenotype, reduces monocyte chemoattractant protein secretion, and effectively blocks monocyte migration. Finally, we show that the CSF1R/CCR2/TGF-β Ab inhibits monocyte recruitment in patient-specific vascularized tumor models. Overall, this vascularized tumor model offers valuable insights into monocyte recruitment and enables functional testing of innovative therapeutic antibodies targeting TAMs in the tumor microenvironment (TME).
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Blazeski A, Floryan MA, Fajardo-Ramírez OR, Meibalan E, Ortiz-Urbina J, Angelidakis E, Shelton SE, Kamm RD, García-Cardeña G. Engineering microvascular networks using a KLF2 reporter to probe flow-dependent endothelial cell function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.31.565021. [PMID: 37961543 PMCID: PMC10635035 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.31.565021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Shear stress generated by the flow of blood in the vasculature is a potent regulator of endothelial cell phenotype and vascular structure. While vascular responses to flow are complex and context-dependent, endothelial cell signaling in response to shear stress induced by laminar flows is coordinated by the transcription factor KLF2. The expression of KLF2 in endothelial cells is associated with a quiescent, anti-inflammatory phenotype and has been well characterized in two-dimensional systems, but has not been studied in three-dimensional in vitro systems. Here we develop engineered microvascular networks (MVNs) with a KLF2-based endothelial cell sensor within a microfluidic chip, apply continuous flow using an attached microfluidic pump, and study the effects of this flow on vascular structure and function. We found that culture of MVNs exposed to flow for 48 hours that resulted in increased expression of the KLF2-GFP-reporter display larger vessel diameters and decreased vascular branching and resistance. Additionally, vessel diameters after the application of flow were independent of initial MVN morphologies. Finally, we found that MVNs exposed to flow have improved vascular barrier function and decreased platelet adhesion. The MVNs with KLF2-based flow sensors represent a powerful tool for evaluating the structural and functional effects of flow on engineered three-dimensional vascular systems.
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Chen SW, Blazeski A, Zhang S, Shelton SE, Offeddu GS, Kamm RD. Development of a perfusable, hierarchical microvasculature-on-a-chip model. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4552-4564. [PMID: 37771308 PMCID: PMC10563829 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00512g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Several methods have been developed for generating 3D, in vitro, organ-on-chip models of human vasculature to study vascular function, transport, and tissue engineering. However, many of these existing models lack the hierarchical nature of the arterial-to-capillary-to-venous architecture that is key to capturing a more comprehensive view of the human microvasculature. Here, we present a perfusable, multi-compartmental model that recapitulates the three microvascular compartments to assess various physiological properties such as vessel permeability, vasoconstriction dynamics, and circulating cell arrest and extravasation. Viscous finger patterning and passive pumping create the larger arterial and venular lumens, while the smaller diameter capillary bed vessels are generated through self-assembly. These compartments anastomose and form a perfusable, hierarchical system that portrays the directionality of blood flow through the microvasculature. The addition of collagen channels reduces the apparent permeability of the central capillary region, likely by reducing leakage from the side channels, enabling more accurate measurements of vascular permeability-an important motivation for this study. Furthermore, the model permits modulation of fluid flow and shear stress conditions throughout the system by using hydrostatic pressure heads to apply pressure differentials across either the arteriole or the capillary. This is a pertinent system for modeling circulating tumor or T cell dissemination and extravasation. Circulating cells were found to arrest in areas conducive to physical trapping or areas with the least amount of shear stress, consistent with hemodynamic or mechanical theories of metastasis. Overall, this model captures more features of human microvascular beds and is capable of testing a broad variety of hypotheses.
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Ko EC, Spitz S, Pramotton FM, Barr OM, Xu C, Pavlou G, Zhang S, Tsai A, Maaser-Hecker A, Jorfi M, Choi SH, Tanzi RE, Kamm RD. Accelerating the in vitro emulation of Alzheimer's disease-associated phenotypes using a novel 3D blood-brain barrier neurosphere co-culture model. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1251195. [PMID: 37901842 PMCID: PMC10600382 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1251195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
High failure rates in clinical trials for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease have been linked to an insufficient predictive validity of current animal-based disease models. This has created an increasing demand for alternative, human-based models capable of emulating key pathological phenotypes in vitro. Here, a three-dimensional Alzheimer's disease model was developed using a compartmentalized microfluidic device that combines a self-assembled microvascular network of the human blood-brain barrier with neurospheres derived from Alzheimer's disease-specific neural progenitor cells. To shorten microfluidic co-culture times, neurospheres were pre-differentiated for 21 days to express Alzheimer's disease-specific pathological phenotypes prior to the introduction into the microfluidic device. In agreement with post-mortem studies and Alzheimer's disease in vivo models, after 7 days of co-culture with pre-differentiated Alzheimer's disease-specific neurospheres, the three-dimensional blood-brain barrier network exhibited significant changes in barrier permeability and morphology. Furthermore, vascular networks in co-culture with Alzheimer's disease-specific microtissues displayed localized β-amyloid deposition. Thus, by interconnecting a microvascular network of the blood-brain barrier with pre-differentiated neurospheres the presented model holds immense potential for replicating key neurovascular phenotypes of neurodegenerative disorders in vitro.
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Rota A, Possenti L, Offeddu GS, Senesi M, Stucchi A, Venturelli I, Rancati T, Zunino P, Kamm RD, Costantino ML. A three-dimensional method for morphological analysis and flow velocity estimation in microvasculature on-a-chip. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10557. [PMID: 37693050 PMCID: PMC10487341 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques (e.g., confocal microscopy) are commonly used to visualize in vitro models, especially microvasculature on-a-chip. Conversely, 3D analysis is not the standard method to extract quantitative information from those models. We developed the μVES algorithm to analyze vascularized in vitro models leveraging 3D data. It computes morphological parameters (geometry, diameter, length, tortuosity, eccentricity) and intravascular flow velocity. μVES application to microfluidic vascularized in vitro models shows that they successfully replicate functional features of the microvasculature in vivo in terms of intravascular fluid flow velocity. However, wall shear stress is lower compared to in vivo references. The morphological analysis also highlights the model's physiological similarities (vessel length and tortuosity) and shortcomings (vessel radius and surface-over-volume ratio). The addition of the third dimension in our analysis produced significant differences in the metrics assessed compared to 2D estimations. It enabled the computation of new indices, such as vessel eccentricity. These μVES capabilities can find application in analyses of different in vitro vascular models, as well as in vivo and ex vivo microvasculature.
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Rustenhoven J, Pavlou G, Storck SE, Dykstra T, Du S, Wan Z, Quintero D, Scallan JP, Smirnov I, Kamm RD, Kipnis J. Age-related alterations in meningeal immunity drive impaired CNS lymphatic drainage. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20221929. [PMID: 37027179 PMCID: PMC10083715 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20221929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The meningeal lymphatic network enables the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and facilitates the removal of central nervous system (CNS) waste. During aging and in Alzheimer's disease, impaired meningeal lymphatic drainage promotes the buildup of toxic misfolded proteins in the CNS. Reversing this age-related dysfunction represents a promising strategy to augment CNS waste clearance; however, the mechanisms underlying this decline remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that age-related alterations in meningeal immunity underlie this lymphatic impairment. Single-cell RNA sequencing of meningeal lymphatic endothelial cells from aged mice revealed their response to IFNγ, which was increased in the aged meninges due to T cell accumulation. Chronic elevation of meningeal IFNγ in young mice via AAV-mediated overexpression attenuated CSF drainage-comparable to the deficits observed in aged mice. Therapeutically, IFNγ neutralization alleviated age-related impairments in meningeal lymphatic function. These data suggest manipulation of meningeal immunity as a viable approach to normalize CSF drainage and alleviate the neurological deficits associated with impaired waste removal.
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Angelidakis E, Chen S, Zhang S, Wan Z, Kamm RD, Shelton SE. Impact of Fibrinogen, Fibrin Thrombi, and Thrombin on Cancer Cell Extravasation Using In Vitro Microvascular Networks. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202984. [PMID: 37119127 PMCID: PMC10524192 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
A bidirectional association exists between metastatic dissemination and the hypercoagulable state associated with many types of cancer. As such, clinical studies have provided evidence that markers associated with elevated levels of coagulation and fibrinolysis correlate with decreased patient survival. However, elucidating the mechanisms underpinning the effects of different components of the coagulation system on metastasis formation is challenging both in animal models and 2D models lacking the complex cellular interactions necessary to model both thrombosis and metastasis. Here, an in vitro, 3D, microvascular model for observing the formation of fibrin thrombi is described, which is in turn used to study how different aspects of the hypercoagulable state associated with cancer affect the endothelium. Using this platform, cancer cells expressing ICAM-1 are shown to form a fibrinogen-dependent bridge and transmigrate through the endothelium more effectively. Cancer cells are also demonstrated to interact with fibrin thrombi, using them to adhere, spread, and enhance their extravasation efficiency. Finally, thrombin is also shown to enhance cancer cell extravasation. This system presents a physiologically relevant model of fibrin clot formation in the human microvasculature, enabling in-depth investigation of the cellular interactions between cancer cells and the coagulation system affecting cancer cell extravasation.
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Mastini C, Campisi M, Patrucco E, Mura G, Ferreira A, Costa C, Ambrogio C, Germena G, Martinengo C, Peola S, Mota I, Vissio E, Molinaro L, Arigoni M, Olivero M, Calogero R, Prokoph N, Tabbò F, Shoji B, Brugieres L, Geoerger B, Turner SD, Cuesta-Mateos C, D’Aliberti D, Mologni L, Piazza R, Gambacorti-Passerini C, Inghirami GG, Chiono V, Kamm RD, Hirsch E, Koch R, Weinstock DM, Aster JC, Voena C, Chiarle R. Targeting CCR7-PI3Kγ overcomes resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in ALK-rearranged lymphoma. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabo3826. [PMID: 37379367 PMCID: PMC10804420 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo3826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) show potent efficacy in several ALK-driven tumors, but the development of resistance limits their long-term clinical impact. Although resistance mechanisms have been studied extensively in ALK-driven non-small cell lung cancer, they are poorly understood in ALK-driven anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Here, we identify a survival pathway supported by the tumor microenvironment that activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase γ (PI3K-γ) signaling through the C-C motif chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7). We found increased PI3K signaling in patients and ALCL cell lines resistant to ALK TKIs. PI3Kγ expression was predictive of a lack of response to ALK TKI in patients with ALCL. Expression of CCR7, PI3Kγ, and PI3Kδ were up-regulated during ALK or STAT3 inhibition or degradation and a constitutively active PI3Kγ isoform cooperated with oncogenic ALK to accelerate lymphomagenesis in mice. In a three-dimensional microfluidic chip, endothelial cells that produce the CCR7 ligands CCL19/CCL21 protected ALCL cells from apoptosis induced by crizotinib. The PI3Kγ/δ inhibitor duvelisib potentiated crizotinib activity against ALCL lines and patient-derived xenografts. Furthermore, genetic deletion of CCR7 blocked the central nervous system dissemination and perivascular growth of ALCL in mice treated with crizotinib. Thus, blockade of PI3Kγ or CCR7 signaling together with ALK TKI treatment reduces primary resistance and the survival of persister lymphoma cells in ALCL.
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Wan Z, Floryan MA, Coughlin MF, Zhang S, Zhong AX, Shelton SE, Wang X, Xu C, Barbie DA, Kamm RD. New Strategy for Promoting Vascularization in Tumor Spheroids in a Microfluidic Assay. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2201784. [PMID: 36333913 PMCID: PMC10156888 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have developed vascularized tumor spheroid models to demonstrate the impact of intravascular flow on tumor progression and treatment. However, these models have not been widely adopted so the vascularization of tumor spheroids in vitro is generally lower than vascularized tumor tissues in vivo. To improve the tumor vascularization level, a new strategy is introduced to form tumor spheroids by adding fibroblasts (FBs) sequentially to a pre-formed tumor spheroid and demonstrate this method with tumor cell lines from kidney, lung, and ovary cancer. Tumor spheroids made with the new strategy have higher FB densities on the periphery of the tumor spheroid, which tend to enhance vascularization. The vessels close to the tumor spheroid made with this new strategy are more perfusable than the ones made with other methods. Finally, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are perfused under continuous flow into vascularized tumor spheroids to demonstrate immunotherapy evaluation using vascularized tumor-on-a-chip model. This new strategy for establishing tumor spheroids leads to increased vascularization in vitro, allowing for the examination of immune, endothelial, stromal, and tumor cell responses under static or flow conditions.
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Wan HY, Chen JCH, Xiao Q, Wong CW, Yang B, Cao B, Tuan RS, Nilsson SK, Ho YP, Raghunath M, Kamm RD, Blocki A. Stabilization and improved functionality of three-dimensional perfusable microvascular networks in microfluidic devices under macromolecular crowding. Biomater Res 2023; 27:32. [PMID: 37076899 PMCID: PMC10116810 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00375-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is great interest to engineer in vitro models that allow the study of complex biological processes of the microvasculature with high spatiotemporal resolution. Microfluidic systems are currently used to engineer microvasculature in vitro, which consists of perfusable microvascular networks (MVNs). These are formed through spontaneous vasculogenesis and exhibit the closest resemblance to physiological microvasculature. Unfortunately, under standard culture conditions and in the absence of co-culture with auxiliary cells as well as protease inhibitors, pure MVNs suffer from a short-lived stability. METHODS Herein, we introduce a strategy for stabilization of MVNs through macromolecular crowding (MMC) based on a previously established mixture of Ficoll macromolecules. The biophysical principle of MMC is based on macromolecules occupying space, thus increasing the effective concentration of other components and thereby accelerating various biological processes, such as extracellular matrix deposition. We thus hypothesized that MMC will promote the accumulation of vascular ECM (basement membrane) components and lead to a stabilization of MVN with improved functionality. RESULTS MMC promoted the enrichment of cellular junctions and basement membrane components, while reducing cellular contractility. The resulting advantageous balance of adhesive forces over cellular tension resulted in a significant stabilization of MVNs over time, as well as improved vascular barrier function, closely resembling that of in vivo microvasculature. CONCLUSION Application of MMC to MVNs in microfluidic devices provides a reliable, flexible and versatile approach to stabilize engineered microvessels under simulated physiological conditions.
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Kim DJ, Anandh S, Null JL, Przanowski P, Bhatnagar S, Kumar P, Shelton SE, Grundy EE, Chiappinelli KB, Kamm RD, Barbie DA, Dudley AC. Priming a vascular-selective cytokine response permits CD8 + T-cell entry into tumors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2122. [PMID: 37055433 PMCID: PMC10101959 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37807-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) has immunomodulatory and anti-neoplastic activity, especially when paired with cancer immunotherapies. Here we explore the immunoregulatory functions of DNMT1 in the tumor vasculature of female mice. Dnmt1 deletion in endothelial cells (ECs) impairs tumor growth while priming expression of cytokine-driven cell adhesion molecules and chemokines important for CD8+ T-cell trafficking across the vasculature; consequently, the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is enhanced. We find that the proangiogenic factor FGF2 promotes ERK-mediated DNMT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation to repress transcription of the chemokines Cxcl9/Cxcl10 in ECs. Targeting Dnmt1 in ECs reduces proliferation but augments Th1 chemokine production and extravasation of CD8+ T-cells, suggesting DNMT1 programs immunologically anergic tumor vasculature. Our study is in good accord with preclinical observations that pharmacologically disrupting DNMT1 enhances the activity of ICB but suggests an epigenetic pathway presumed to be targeted in cancer cells is also operative in the tumor vasculature.
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Spitz S, Ko E, Ertl P, Kamm RD. How Organ-on-a-Chip Technology Can Assist in Studying the Role of the Glymphatic System in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2171. [PMID: 36768495 PMCID: PMC9916687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of a conventional lymphatic system that permeates throughout the entire human brain has encouraged the identification and study of alternative clearance routes within the cerebrum. In 2012, the concept of the glymphatic system, a perivascular network that fluidically connects the cerebrospinal fluid to the lymphatic vessels within the meninges via the interstitium, emerged. Although its exact mode of action has not yet been fully characterized, the key underlying processes that govern solute transport and waste clearance have been identified. This review briefly describes the perivascular glial-dependent clearance system and elucidates its fundamental role in neurodegenerative diseases. The current knowledge of the glymphatic system is based almost exclusively on animal-based measurements, but these face certain limitations inherent to in vivo experiments. Recent advances in organ-on-a-chip technology are discussed to demonstrate the technology's ability to provide alternative human-based in vitro research models. Herein, the specific focus is on how current microfluidic-based in vitro models of the neurovascular system and neurodegenerative diseases might be employed to (i) gain a deeper understanding of the role and function of the glymphatic system and (ii) to identify new opportunities for pharmacological intervention.
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Mao BH, Nguyen Thi KM, Tang MJ, Kamm RD, Tu TY. The interface stiffness and topographic feature dictate interfacial invasiveness of cancer spheroids. Biofabrication 2023; 15. [PMID: 36594698 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acaa00] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During cancer metastasis, tumor cells likely navigate, in a collective manner, discrete tissue spaces comprising inherently heterogeneous extracellular matrix microstructures where interfaces may be frequently encountered. Studies have shown that cell migration modes can be determined by adaptation to mechanical/topographic cues from interfacial microenvironments. However, less attention has been paid to exploring the impact of interfacial mechnochemical attributes on invasive and metastatic behaviors of tumor aggregates. Here, we excogitated a collagen matrix-solid substrate interface platform to investigate the afore-stated interesting issue. Our data revealed that stiffer interfaces stimulated spheroid outgrowth by motivating detachment of single cells and boosting their motility and velocity. However, stronger interfacial adhesive strength between matrix and substrate led to the opposite outcomes. Besides, this interfacial parameter also affected the morphological switch between migration modes of the detached cells and their directionality. Mechanistically, myosin II-mediated cell contraction, compared to matrix metalloproteinases-driven collagen degradation, was shown to play a more crucial role in the invasive outgrowth of tumor spheroids in interfacial microenvironments. Thus, our findings highlight the importance of heterogeneous interfaces in addressing and combating cancer metastasis.
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Cable J, Arlotta P, Parker KK, Hughes AJ, Goodwin K, Mummery CL, Kamm RD, Engle SJ, Tagle DA, Boj SF, Stanton AE, Morishita Y, Kemp ML, Norfleet DA, May EE, Lu A, Bashir R, Feinberg AW, Hull SM, Gonzalez AL, Blatchley MR, Montserrat Pulido N, Morizane R, McDevitt TC, Mishra D, Mulero-Russe A. Engineering multicellular living systems-a Keystone Symposia report. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1518:183-195. [PMID: 36177947 PMCID: PMC9771928 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The ability to engineer complex multicellular systems has enormous potential to inform our understanding of biological processes and disease and alter the drug development process. Engineering living systems to emulate natural processes or to incorporate new functions relies on a detailed understanding of the biochemical, mechanical, and other cues between cells and between cells and their environment that result in the coordinated action of multicellular systems. On April 3-6, 2022, experts in the field met at the Keystone symposium "Engineering Multicellular Living Systems" to discuss recent advances in understanding how cells cooperate within a multicellular system, as well as recent efforts to engineer systems like organ-on-a-chip models, biological robots, and organoids. Given the similarities and common themes, this meeting was held in conjunction with the symposium "Organoids as Tools for Fundamental Discovery and Translation".
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McEvoy E, Sneh T, Moeendarbary E, Javanmardi Y, Efimova N, Yang C, Marino-Bravante GE, Chen X, Escribano J, Spill F, Garcia-Aznar JM, Weeraratna AT, Svitkina TM, Kamm RD, Shenoy VB. Feedback between mechanosensitive signaling and active forces governs endothelial junction integrity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7089. [PMID: 36402771 PMCID: PMC9675837 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34701-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation and recovery of gaps in the vascular endothelium governs a wide range of physiological and pathological phenomena, from angiogenesis to tumor cell extravasation. However, the interplay between the mechanical and signaling processes that drive dynamic behavior in vascular endothelial cells is not well understood. In this study, we propose a chemo-mechanical model to investigate the regulation of endothelial junctions as dependent on the feedback between actomyosin contractility, VE-cadherin bond turnover, and actin polymerization, which mediate the forces exerted on the cell-cell interface. Simulations reveal that active cell tension can stabilize cadherin bonds, but excessive RhoA signaling can drive bond dissociation and junction failure. While actin polymerization aids gap closure, high levels of Rac1 can induce junction weakening. Combining the modeling framework with experiments, our model predicts the influence of pharmacological treatments on the junction state and identifies that a critical balance between RhoA and Rac1 expression is required to maintain junction stability. Our proposed framework can help guide the development of therapeutics that target the Rho family of GTPases and downstream active mechanical processes.
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Kim S, Wan Z, Jeon JS, Kamm RD. Microfluidic vascular models of tumor cell extravasation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1052192. [PMID: 36439519 PMCID: PMC9698448 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1052192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging microfluidic disease models have amply demonstrated their value in many fields of cancer research. These in vitro technologies recapitulate key aspects of metastatic cancer, including the process of tumor cell arrest and extravasation at the site of the metastatic tumor. To date, extensive efforts have been made to capture key features of the microvasculature to reconstitute the pre-metastatic niche and investigate dynamic extravasation behaviors using microfluidic systems. In this mini-review, we highlight recent microfluidic vascular models of tumor cell extravasation and explore how this approach contributes to development of in vitro disease models to enhance understanding of metastasis in vivo.
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Zhang S, Wan Z, Pavlou G, Zhong AX, Xu L, Kamm RD. Interstitial flow promotes the formation of functional microvascular networks in vitro through upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2022; 32:2206767. [PMID: 36569597 PMCID: PMC9783342 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202206767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Self-organized microvascular networks (MVNs) have become key to the development of many microphysiological models. However, the self-organizing nature of this process combined with variations between types or batches of endothelial cells (ECs) often lead to inconsistency or failure to form functional MVNs. Since interstitial flow (IF) has been reported to play a beneficial role in angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and 3D capillary morphogenesis, we systematically investigated the role IF plays during neovessel formation in a customized single channel microfluidic chip for which IF has been fully characterized. Compared to static conditions, MVNs formed under IF have higher vessel density and diameters and greater network perfusability. Through a series of inhibitory experiments, we demonstrated that IF treatment improves vasculogenesis by ECs through upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). We then successfully implemented a novel strategy involving the interplay between IF and MMP-2 inhibitor to regulate morphological parameters of the self-organized MVNs, with vascular permeability and perfusability well maintained. The revealed mechanism and proposed methodology were further validated with a brain MVN model. Our findings and methods have the potential to be widely utilized to boost the development of various organotypic MVNs and could be incorporated into related bioengineering applications where perfusable vasculature is desired.
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Kim H, Osaki T, Kamm RD, Asada H. Multiscale engineered human skeletal muscles with perfusable vasculature and microvascular network recapitulating the fluid compartments. Biofabrication 2022; 15. [PMID: 36126639 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac933d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Creating a vasculature in engineered human skeletal muscle tissues (ehSMTs) enables us to create thick tissues, increase cell survival in implantation, provide models of blood-organ barriers for drug testing, and enhance muscle differentiation through paracrine signaling. Here, contractile ehSMTs with a central perfusable vascular channel and microvascular networks growing from this central vasculature into the surrounding skeletal muscle tissue were newly demonstrated. Because coculturing muscle cells and endothelial cells requires incompatible media, we recapitulated the in vivo extracellular fluid compartments between blood plasma and interstitial fluid by creating an in vitro perfusable vasculature running through skeletal muscle tissue with a physiologic cell density. By using this model, we constructed large vascularized ehSMTs and showed the potential to be utilized for drug testing platforms. Also, we found that coculturing with two separate media from an early stage of muscle differentiation led to increased contractile force, thicker myotubes, and improved muscle differentiation.
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Zhang S, Kan EL, Kamm RD. Integrating functional vasculature into organoid culture: A biomechanical perspective. APL Bioeng 2022; 6:030401. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0097967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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Ibrahim LI, Hajal C, Offeddu GS, Gillrie MR, Kamm RD. Omentum-on-a-chip: A multicellular, vascularized microfluidic model of the human peritoneum for the study of ovarian cancer metastases. Biomaterials 2022; 288:121728. [PMID: 35995621 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of any gynecologic malignancy and most frequently metastasizes to the peritoneal cavity. Intraperitoneal metastases are highly associated with ascites, the pathologic accumulation of peritoneal fluid due to impaired drainage, increased peritoneal permeability, and tumor and stromal cytokine secretion. However, the relationship between ascites, vascular and mesothelial permeability, and ovarian cancer intraperitoneal metastases remains poorly understood. In this study, a vascularized in vitro model of the human peritoneal omentum and ovarian tumor microenvironment (TME) was employed to study stromal cell effects on tumor cell (TC) attachment and growth, as well as TC effects on vascular and mesothelial permeability in models of both early- and late-stage metastases. Control over the number of TCs seeded in the vascularized peritoneum revealed a critical cell density requirement for tumor growth, which was further enhanced by stromal adipocytes and endothelial cells found in the peritoneal omentum. This tumor growth resulted in both a physically-mediated decrease and cytokine-mediated increase in microvascular permeability, emphasizing the important and potentially opposing roles of tumor cells in ascites formation. This system provides a robust platform to elucidate TC-stromal cell interactions during intraperitoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer and presents the first in vitro vascularized model of the human peritoneum and ovarian cancer TME.
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